President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed the former Presidential Security Group (PSG) commander, Brig. Gen. Jose Eriel Niembra, as the new chief of intelligence of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Brig. Gen. Francisco Ariel Felicidario III as head of the military’s Peace and Development Office.
Malacañang confirmed Niembra’s appointment in a statement on Saturday.
Under Niembra, the PSG secured 19 foreign and 1,250 local engagements of Duterte.
Niembra served as deputy commander of Task Force Davao from 2009 to 2012.
He succeeded Brig. Gen. Oliver Artuz as intelligence chief.
During the turnover ceremony on Friday, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. said Niembra was “a worthy successor” at the helm of the Intelligence Service of AFP (ISAFP).
“I am confident that the newly posted Chief, ISAFP, Brigadier General Niembra, would be able to inspire and lead Team ISAFP to greater milestones in the future. The AFP leadership will support you in all your endeavours,” Santos said.
Felicidario succeeds Brig. Gen. Cesar De Mesa as peace and development head.
He previously held assignments in Mindanao as commander of the 101st and 102nd brigades under the 1st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army and assistant division commander of the 11th Infantry Division based in Jolo, Sulu. John Ezekiel J. Hirro
Preview photo: President Rodrigo Duterte is accompanied by outgoing Presidential Security Group (PSG) Commander Jose Niembra upon his arrival at the PSG Compound in Malacañang Park, Manila for the PSG Change of Command ceremony on February 25, 2020. ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO